Council
29 April, 2026
Councils push back on legislated fourth household bin
A State Government-mandated fourth household bin rollout will be delayed and its compulsory requirements removed, if Southern Grampians Shire Council has its way.
At its last meeting, council has resolved to delay the introduction of a glass recycling bin, pushing back on State Government legislation that would produce extra costs to ratepayers.
Council accepted staff recommendations to delay the rollout of the glass kerbside service to formally write to the State government seeking an extension of the July 2027 rollout deadline and to advocate for the removal of the legislated requirement for a mandatory glass service.
The Circular Economy Act 2021 requires councils across the state to introduce a dedicated, purple-lid glass bin by 1 July, 2027.
However, several eastern Melbourne councils — including Knox, Manningham, Maroondah, Whitehorse, Monash, Yarra Ranges and Boroondara — have already opposed the mandate
A glass bin roll out across Southern Grampians Shire will cost ratepayers an estimated $1000,000 during the first year and additional $150,000 in subsequent years, to maintain the service.
Council has complied with all requirements of the act so far, including the introduction of kerbside FOGO collection because of the clear benefits to community and the environment.
This initiative has resulted in more than 2000 tons of material diverted from landfill.
Southern Grampians Shire Mayor, Dennis Heslin, questioned the benefits of the glass bin to the community.
“People are really doing it tough right now, introducing another bin to comply with an act passed five years ago does not match the reality we’re in right now,” Cr Heslin said.
“With cost of living where it’s at, we need to be sure any new services introduced will genuinely benefit our community and right now, we’re not convinced that this one does.”
Southern Grampians Shire has more than 6000 rateable properties which would require the compulsory kerbside glass collection service.
This would mean the average property would have to pay an additional fee of approximately $137.29 in the first year.
“When the Container Deposit Scheme (CDS) was introduced, we saw an immediate and significant reduction in the volume of glass in council recycling stream, leaving council questioning the need for this service,” Cr Heslin said.
“These additional costs will be a significant impost to residents for a service that realistically, we as a community do not need.
“Council has elected not to action the glass bin roll-out as mandated until the kerbside standards are released with details on the future glass service operational model, and Council has completed local community consultation.
“In addition, the absence of the service standards for glass collection services does not provide a sense of confidence to council to implement a mandatory service of this expense.
“Council has now voted to advocate to State Government to remove the legislated requirement for a mandatory glass service in communities like ours where it might not make sense.
“We will now do everything in our power to get the message across.”
Council has implemented a number of new waste initiatives in recent years, mainly focused on increasing service to the community.
These included free green waste disposal days, out of kerbside zone vouchers and cardboard separation.
For more information about council’s waste services, visit the website.
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